Top 10 Tastes of Lubbock

Lubbock is in a way an oasis in the middle of the west Texas desert. As I first drove into town all I saw was dirt, cotton, and tumbleweeds. I wanted to turn around and drive right back to Chicago where there were people and I knew I wouldn’t die from a dust storm.

Then I ate lunch, and my world turned upside down. I experienced a street taco like no other. I ate BBQ that rocked my tastebuds.

So, being the kind soul that I am, I decided to take one for the team and eat my way through Lubbock last week, to find the best food in town. Now you can be sure you get the good grub every time you go out. You’re welcome.

10. Fuzzy’s Tacos

These tacos are so fun, and there are so many different versions to try. I always stick to the fish or shrimp tacos when I go. A little different taco approach would be the brisket. They also have a special sauce that you definitely need to try on any taco you get.

9. Lubbock Breakfast House and Grill

The basic pancakes, sausage and eggs combo are to die for, as simple as they are. The people here will greet you with a smile and a fantastic breakfast to start the day.

8. Choo Chai

The yellow curry here is absolutely out of this world. Choo Chai has many combinations, and each dish can come with its own heat level for each person’s specific preference. The pork wontons are also a highly recommended way to begin your meal.

7. Picantes

One of the best places to get the biggest bang for your buck that I’ve found so far. The breakfast burritos are stuffed with eggs, cheese, potatoes and the meat of your choice. They also have chips and salsa to complement your meal. The service is great and the whole restaurant makes you feel like you are part of the family as soon as you walk in the door.

6. Bangkok Thai

The little hidden gem will blow you outta this world. The pad thai here is amazing, but in all honesty, you can’t go wrong with any dish you pick. They also give you these little crunchy things while they prepare the food and they are amazing. They have spicy duck sauce that brings every dish to the next level.

5. Walk-On’s

Two words: alligator po’boy. This is amazing. I know what you’re thinking though, who eats alligator? Me. And the smart people of the world. And anyone that loves flavor. Alligator is like chicken but ten times better. It comes with fries, a mayo sauce and a bun. But you could really just eat the alligator and be completely set.

4. Caprock Cafe

QUESO. By far the best queso in Lubbock. It is full of flavor with some slight heat. There are chunks of peppers in there that really make the dish. They also refill your chips no charge which is quite nice since the college budget is an incredibly real challenge, even when it comes to chips.

3. Torchy’s

Trailer Park. But get it dirty, which means with extra queso. I know what you’re thinking, wouldn’t that ruin the simplicity of the taco? No, it absolutely will not. The queso adds a creaminess and velvety factor to the taco that one just cannot resist. Also, the Democrat taco is just a legend. It comes with barbacoa, cheese, onions and cilantro. It takes your typical taco and adds a little flare.

2. Evie Mae’s

This BBQ is truly exceptional. The brisket is to die for and you can’t go wrong with any side that you choose to go with it. The meat is slowly cooked for many hours and you can taste the time and effort put into the meal. Jeads up though: they only make so much during the day, so you need to be sure you get there early enough before they run out.

1.Raider Burrito

The love of my life and the heart of Lubbock. This place has become my home away from home in Lubbock. The tacos are very simple but truly amazing. They have a stand outside where you walk right up and order. The employees there are so fun and intentional when you order. They also have sauce inside, so don’t forget to snag some. The green sauce is best but some days it is spicier than others, so be careful. Make sure you get the Asada or the Pastor. Also, if you are more adventurous, I recommend the Lengua or Tripe. Basically, just try it all! I love it there and I am completely positive you will love it, too.

After a quite challenging week of stuffing my face with food, I can truly give the Cassie Shimmel guarantee that these restaurants will knock you out of the park. If you’re new to Lubbock, I challenge you to take advantage of this list and get to know the town that you live in.

And to all the people who have grown up here and eat at the same place every night — STOP. Try New Things! You will not regret taking a step outside the box.

Have another suggestion? Add your favorite Lubbock eatery in the comments below.